Cabellos de angel (Clematis dioica, Syst. Nat. ed. 10, 2: 1084 (1759))

Family: Ranunculaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Syst. Nat. ed. 10, 2: 1084 (1759)

Year: 1759

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Clematis

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mexico to Trop. America

Description

Clematis dioica, commonly known as Cabellos de ángel, is a plant species belonging to the Ranunculaceae family. This species was first described in the 10th edition of “Systema Naturae” by Carl Linnaeus in 1759.

Native to regions ranging from Mexico to Tropical America, Cabellos de ángel thrives in these warm climates, adding natural beauty to the landscapes it inhabits. The plant is distinguished by its climbing habit and the characteristic delicate, hair-like structures that inspired its common name, which translates to “Angel’s Hair.”

As a member of the Ranunculaceae family, Clematis dioica shares many traits with its relatives, yet it possesses unique attributes that make it stand out. Its flowers and foliage are not only aesthetically pleasing but also contribute to the biodiversity of the regions it populates.

The plant’s habitat spans a significant geographical range, indicating its adaptability to various environmental conditions across Mexico and Tropical America. This wide distribution has allowed Clemmatis dioica to become an integral part of local ecosystems, offering shelter and food for various wildlife species.

Understanding Clematis dioica and its ecological roles provides insight into the rich biodiversity of tropical regions and the importance of conserving these unique plant species.

Common Names

Eng: cabellos de angel
En: Cabellos de angel
Pt: Trepadeira

Synonyms

• Clematis dioica var. eichleriana (Kuntze)
• Clematis dioica subvar. nutans (Eichler ex Kuntze)
• Clematis dioica subvar. umbellulifera (Eichler ex Kuntze)
• Clematis dioica subsp. americana ((Mill.) Kuntze)
• Clematis dioica var. normalis (Kuntze)
• Clematis dioica var. antillensis (Eichler)
• Clematis dioica var. lorentziana (Kuntze)
• Clematis dioica var. angustifolia (Kuntze)
• Clematis americana (Mill.)
• Clematis glabra (DC.)
• Clematis dioica var. subglabra (Kuntze)
• Clematis virginiana f. paucidentata (Kuntze)
• Clematis virginiana var. dioica ((L.) Kuntze)
• Clematis virginiana subsp. dioica ((L.) Voss)

Distribution

• Belize (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Other

Taken Sep 20, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Leaf

Taken Sep 20, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 20, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 20, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 20, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 20, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Bark

Taken Sep 20, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Fruit

Taken Sep 20, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Flower

Taken Sep 19, 2022 by Ilaria Mosti (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3033592)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60325-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Clematis dioica L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Vine

Growth